Vacuum volume reduction system and method for a vacuum tube vehicle  station

ABSTRACT

A vacuum volume reduction system and method for reducing a volume to be evacuated at a vacuum tube vehicle station are provided. The system has a station vacuum tube in an interior of a station wall of the vacuum tube vehicle station. The station vacuum tube has a tube volume. The system has a volume reduction assembly coupled to the station vacuum tube, and a control system for radially moving the assembly to and from a vehicle outer surface of a vacuum transport tube vehicle, to engage around the vehicle outer surface, for loading and unloading of passengers and/or cargo. The system further has door seal(s), an air supply assembly, and a vent-to-vacuum assembly. The system displaces the tube volume between the station wall and the vehicle outer surface, and in turn, reduces a volume to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station.

BACKGROUND 1) Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for evacuatingtubes to create a vacuum, and more particularly, to systems and methodsfor evacuating air from tubes used for high-speed vacuum tubetransportation systems.

2) Description of Related Art

The concept of high-speed travel through tubes has been known for years.Recently, there has been a renewed and increased interest in andinvestigation of high-speed vacuum or pneumatic tube transportationsystems, in which a vehicle travels through an evacuated or partiallyevacuated tube near the surface of the earth at high speeds, e.g.,200-2000 miles per hour (mph) average speed. The high speeds may beenabled by a magnetic levitation (“mag-lev”) propulsion system thateliminates or greatly reduces rolling friction, and by evacuating thetube of air so that aerodynamic drag is eliminated or greatly reduced.

After an initial evacuation of air from the tube, it is important tominimize leakage into the tube from the surrounding ambient atmosphere.If the leakage of air into the tube is minimized, less pumping capacitymay be required to maintain the desired quality of vacuum in the tube.Potential sources of air leakage may occur at vacuum tube vehiclestations, such as cargo loading facilities and/or passenger stations.For passenger stations, it is necessary to provide a pathway from thevacuum tube vehicle to the station, through a space where there waspreviously vacuum.

Known systems for minimizing or eliminating air leakage into the tube atvacuum tube vehicle stations are known. For example, one such knownsystem includes providing pressure seals around vehicle doors, such aspassenger entrance/exit doors. After the vacuum tube vehicle pulls intothe vacuum tube vehicle station and into the correct position, thepressure seals may extend from the station walls and provide a sealbetween the interior volume and the volume outside. When the vehicledoors are opened the interior space and the station space are connected,and the passengers may enter or exit the vehicle through the vehicledoors. However, if such pressure seals around the vehicle doors becomedamaged, worn, or displaced, they may leak, and may lead to air atambient pressure flowing into the vacuum cavity, which may corrupt thequality of the vacuum along the vacuum tube route.

In addition, another known system includes surrounding the entire vacuumtube vehicle with an airlock, in which pressure barriers are deployed infront of and behind the vehicle to prevent air from flowing into theportions of the tube that are part of the vacuum tube route. Such anairlock arrangement allows for the space inside the station tube to befilled with air, so that pressure seals around vehicle doors may not benecessary. However, the volume between the vacuum tube vehicle and thevacuum tube vehicle station walls may be very large, and may require alarge pumping capacity and may require costly vacuum pump equipment toevacuate the station tube in a short amount of time. This may increasethe cost of such known system. In addition, the vacuum pump equipmentmay wear out over time and may need to be maintained, repaired, and/oreventually replaced. This may increase the costs of maintenance, repair,and replacement for such known system. Further, such known system mayrequire the use of additional pressure seals, such as modular pressureseals, and door seals, to be used with the installed vacuum pumpequipment. Such additional pressure seals and door seals may be costlyto use and install, and may, in turn, increase the overall cost of suchknown system. Moreover, such an airlock arrangement may still have thepotential for air leakage into the vacuum cavity. Such leakage over timemay degrade the quality of the vacuum in the vacuum tube along thevacuum tube route.

Thus, it is desirable to provide a system and method for minimizing airleakage into the tube from the surrounding ambient environment and forminimizing the volume that needs to be evacuated in the tube for eachvacuum tube vehicle arrival and departure to and from the vacuum tubevehicle station.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a vacuum volume reductionsystem and method that effectively, efficiently, and inexpensivelyreduces the volume that needs to be evacuated from a vacuum transporttube at a vacuum tube vehicle station, that do not require the use ofexpensive vacuum pump equipment and pressure seals, and that provideother advantages over known systems and methods.

SUMMARY

Example implementations of this disclosure provide one or moreembodiments of a vacuum volume reduction system and a method forreducing a volume to be evacuated at a vacuum tube vehicle station. Asdiscussed in the below detailed description, embodiments of the vacuumvolume reduction system and the method may provide significantadvantages over existing systems and methods.

In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a vacuum volume reductionsystem for reducing a volume to be evacuated at a vacuum tube vehiclestation. The vacuum volume reduction system comprises a station vacuumtube disposed in an interior of a station wall of the vacuum tubevehicle station. The station vacuum tube has a tube volume.

The vacuum volume reduction system further comprises a volume reductionassembly coupled to the station vacuum tube. The volume reductionassembly has a control system for radially moving the volume reductionassembly to and from a vehicle outer surface of a vacuum transport tubevehicle, to engage around the vehicle outer surface, for loading andunloading of one or more of, passengers and cargo, through one or morevehicle doors of the vacuum transport tube vehicle and through one ormore station doors of the vacuum tube vehicle station.

The vacuum volume reduction system further comprises one or more doorseals coupled to the station wall, and configured to surround aperimeter of, and to seal, each of the one or more vehicle doors, and toseal off a door cavity having a door cavity volume. The vacuum volumereduction system further comprises an air supply assembly coupled to thestation wall, and configured to supply air to the door cavity.

The vacuum volume reduction system further comprises a vent-to-vacuumassembly coupled to the station wall, and configured to evacuate the airfrom the door cavity. The vacuum volume reduction system displaces thetube volume between the station wall and the vehicle outer surface, andin turn, reduces a volume to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehiclestation.

In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a modular tube volumereduction assembly for use at a vacuum tube vehicle station. The modulartube volume reduction assembly comprises a modular station vacuum tubehaving a tube volume and a plurality of cavities longitudinally formedaround a circumference of the modular station vacuum tube.

The modular tube volume reduction assembly further comprises a volumereduction assembly integrated with the modular station vacuum tube. Thevolume reduction assembly comprises a plurality of blocks longitudinallycoupled to a cavity interior of each of the plurality of cavities.

The volume reduction assembly further comprises a control system coupledbetween the modular station vacuum tube and the plurality of blocks.When the modular tube volume reduction assembly is used at the vacuumtube vehicle station, the control system is configured to radially movethe plurality of blocks to and from a vehicle outer surface of a vacuumtransport tube vehicle, to engage around the vehicle outer surface, forloading and unloading of one or more of, passengers and cargo, throughone or more vehicle doors of the vacuum transport tube vehicle andthrough one or more station doors of the vacuum tube vehicle station.The modular tube volume reduction assembly displaces the tube volumebetween the station wall and the vehicle outer surface, and in turn,reduces the volume to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station.

In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for reducinga volume to be evacuated at a vacuum tube vehicle station. The methodcomprises the step of installing a vacuum volume reduction system in thevacuum tube vehicle station. The vacuum volume reduction systemcomprises a station vacuum tube disposed in an interior of a stationwall of the vacuum tube vehicle station. The station vacuum tube has atube volume.

The vacuum volume reduction system further comprises a volume reductionassembly coupled to the station vacuum tube. The vacuum volume reductionsystem further comprises one or more door seals coupled to the stationwall. The vacuum volume reduction system further comprises an air supplyassembly coupled to the station wall and a vent-to-vacuum assemblycoupled to the station wall.

The method further comprises the step of deploying the volume reductionassembly, via a control system, to engage around a vehicle outer surfaceof a vacuum transport tube vehicle, and to displace a gap volume betweenthe volume reduction assembly and the vehicle outer surface, when thevacuum transport tube vehicle arrives and is stopped at the vacuum tubevehicle station. The method further comprises the step of deploying theone or more door seals, via a door seal control system, to seal around aperimeter of each of one or more vehicle doors, and to seal off a doorcavity positioned between each of the one or more vehicle door and eachof one or more station doors.

The method further comprises the step of supplying air from the airsupply assembly to the door cavity. The method further comprises thestep of opening the one or more vehicle doors and the one or morestation doors, to load and unload one or more of, passengers and cargo,through the one or more vehicle doors and through the one or morestation doors.

The method further comprises the step of closing the one or more vehicledoors, and closing the one or more station doors. The method furthercomprises the step of evacuating the air from the door cavity with thevent-to-vacuum assembly, to obtain a desired vacuum quality, and closingthe vent-to-vacuum assembly.

The method further comprises the step of retracting the volume reductionassembly, via the control system, from around the vehicle outer surfaceof the vacuum transport tube vehicle, back to the plurality of cavitiesof the station vacuum tube. The method further comprises the step ofretracting the one or more door seals, via the door seal control system,from around each of the one or more vehicle doors, back to the stationwall. The method further comprises the step of reducing the volume to beevacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can beachieved independently in various embodiments of the disclosure or maybe combined in yet other embodiments further details of which can beseen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawingswhich illustrate preferred and exemplary embodiments, but which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a side perspective view of a proposedknown high-speed vacuum tube transportation system having vacuumtransport tubes that may be used with one or more embodiments of thevacuum volume reduction system and method of the disclosure;

FIG. 1B is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the proposedknown high-speed vacuum tube transportation system taken along lines1B-1B of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is an illustration of a top sectional view of an embodiment of avacuum volume reduction system of the disclosure used with a vacuumtransport tube vehicle at a vacuum tube vehicle station;

FIG. 2B is an illustration of a side perspective view of an embodimentof a volume reduction assembly in the form of a modular tube volumereduction assembly of the disclosure;

FIG. 2C is an illustration of an enlarged cut-away side perspective viewof the modular tube volume reduction assembly of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2D is an illustration of an enlarged cut-away side perspective viewof another embodiment of a volume reduction assembly in the form of aninflatable bladder of the disclosure;

FIG. 2E is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of yetanother embodiment of a volume reduction assembly in the form of aplurality of extendable blocks of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a functional block diagram of an exemplaryembodiment of a vacuum volume reduction system of the disclosure;

FIG. 4A is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of a stationwall of a vacuum tube vehicle station that may be used with embodimentsof a vacuum volume reduction system of the disclosure;

FIG. 4B is an illustration of a cross-sectional front view of thestation wall of FIG. 4A showing an embodiment of a station vacuum tube;

FIG. 4C is an illustration of a cross-sectional front view of a stationwall showing another embodiment of a station vacuum tube;

FIG. 5A is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of anembodiment of a volume reduction assembly of a vacuum volume reductionsystem of the disclosure incorporated in a station wall;

FIG. 5B is an illustration of a cross-sectional front view of the volumereduction assembly of FIG. 5A in a station wall;

FIG. 6A is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of anembodiment of a volume reduction assembly in the form of a plurality ofblocks when a vacuum transport tube vehicle arrives at a vacuum tubevehicle station;

FIG. 6B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly in the form of the plurality of blocks of FIG.6A, showing the plurality of blocks in a fully retracted position whenthe vacuum transport tube vehicle arrives at a vacuum tube vehiclestation;

FIG. 7A is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of anembodiment of the volume reduction assembly in the form of a pluralityof blocks and showing the plurality of blocks is in a partially deployedposition;

FIG. 7B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly of FIG. 7A showing the plurality of blocks inthe partially deployed position;

FIG. 8A is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of anembodiment of the volume reduction assembly in the form of a pluralityof blocks and showing the plurality of blocks is in a fully deployedposition;

FIG. 8B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly of FIG. 8A showing the plurality of blocks inthe fully deployed position;

FIG. 9A is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of anembodiment of the volume reduction assembly in the form of a pluralityof blocks and showing a vehicle door and a door seal in a deployedposition;

FIG. 9B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly of FIG. 9A showing the vehicle door and thedoor seal in the deployed position;

FIG. 10A is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of anembodiment of the volume reduction assembly in the form of a pluralityof blocks and showing a vehicle door;

FIG. 10B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly of FIG. 10A showing air being supplied to adoor cavity via an air supply assembly;

FIG. 11A is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of anembodiment of the volume reduction assembly in the form of a pluralityof blocks and showing a vehicle door in an opened position;

FIG. 11B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly of FIG. 11A showing the vehicle door in theopened position;

FIG. 12A is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of anembodiment of the volume reduction assembly in the form of a pluralityof blocks and showing a vehicle door in a closed position;

FIG. 12B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly of FIG. 12A showing the vehicle door in theclosed position;

FIG. 13A is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of anembodiment of the volume reduction assembly in the form of a pluralityof blocks and showing a vehicle door in a closed position;

FIG. 13B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly of FIG. 13A showing the vehicle door in theclosed position and showing air being evacuated from the door cavity viaa vent-to-vacuum assembly;

FIG. 14A is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of anembodiment of the volume reduction assembly in the form of a pluralityof blocks and showing a vehicle door in a closed position;

FIG. 14B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly of FIG. 14A showing the vehicle door in theclosed position and showing the vent-to-vacuum assembly closed;

FIG. 15A is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of anembodiment of the volume reduction assembly in the form of a pluralityof blocks and showing the plurality of blocks is in a partiallyretracted position;

FIG. 15B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly of FIG. 15A showing the plurality of blocks inthe partially retracted position;

FIG. 16A is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of anembodiment of the volume reduction assembly in the form of a pluralityof blocks and showing the vehicle door and showing the door seal inretracted position;

FIG. 16B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly of FIG. 16A showing the door seal in theretracted position;

FIG. 17A is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of anembodiment of a volume reduction assembly in the form of a plurality ofblocks and showing the plurality of blocks in a fully retractedposition;

FIG. 17B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly of FIG. 17A showing the plurality of blocks inthe fully retracted position;

FIG. 18A is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of anembodiment of a volume reduction assembly in the form of a plurality ofblocks and showing the plurality of blocks in a fully retracted positionwhen the vacuum transport tube vehicle exits the vacuum tube vehiclestation;

FIG. 18B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly of FIG. 18A showing the plurality of blocks inthe fully retracted position when the vacuum transport tube vehicleexits the vacuum tube vehicle station;

FIG. 19 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of anembodiment of the volume reduction assembly in the form of a pluralityof blocks and showing no longitudinal gaps in the plurality of blocks;

FIG. 20A is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of doorcavity volume reduction surface operation process showing an embodimentof a door cavity volume reduction surface in an initial fully retractedinflatable door bladder position;

FIG. 20B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thedoor cavity volume reduction surface of FIG. 20A in a partially deployedinflatable door bladder position;

FIG. 20C is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thedoor cavity volume reduction surface of FIG. 20A in a fully deployedinflatable door bladder position;

FIG. 20D is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thedoor cavity volume reduction surface of FIG. 20A in a partiallyretracted inflatable door bladder position;

FIG. 20E is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thedoor cavity volume reduction surface of FIG. 20A in a final fullyretracted inflatable door bladder position;

FIG. 21 is an illustration of a flow diagram showing an exemplaryembodiment of a method of the disclosure.

The figures shown in this disclosure represent various aspects of theembodiments presented, and only differences will be discussed in detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all ofthe disclosed embodiments are shown. Indeed, several differentembodiments may be provided and should not be construed as limited tothe embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are providedso that this disclosure will be thorough and fully convey the scope ofthe disclosure to those skilled in the art.

The disclosure, as discussed in detail below, includes embodiments of avacuum volume reduction system 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) and a method 300(see FIG. 21) for reducing a volume 50 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) to be evacuatedat a vacuum tube vehicle station 12 (see FIGS. 2A, 3).

Now referring to the Figures, FIG. 1A is an illustration of a sideperspective view of a proposed known high-speed vacuum tubetransportation system 14, e.g., 200-2000 mph (miles per hour) averagespeed, with a high-speed vacuum tube transportation train 15 moving ortraveling through a vacuum transport tube 16, such as a first vacuumtransport tube 16 a, in a direction of travel 18. As shown in FIG. 1A,the proposed known high-speed vacuum tube transportation system 14 mayinclude the first vacuum transport tube 16 a and a second vacuumtransport tube 16 b, one or both of which may be used with one or moreembodiments of the vacuum transport tube vehicle 12 and the vacuumtransport tube vehicle system 10 of the disclosure. As further shown inFIG. 1A, the vacuum transport tubes 16 are elevated above a groundsurface 20 via a plurality of column support structures 22. However, thevacuum transport tubes 16 may also be installed underneath the groundsurface 20.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the proposedknown high-speed vacuum tube transportation system 14 taken along lines1B-1B of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B shows the high-speed vacuum tubetransportation train 15 within the first vacuum transport tube 16 a. Thefirst vacuum transport tube 16 a (see FIG. 1B) is positioned below thesecond vacuum transport tube 16 b (see FIG. 1B), and the column supportstructure 22 (see FIG. 1B) supports the vacuum transport tubes 16 (seeFIG. 1B). As further shown in FIG. 1B, the high speeds of the high-speedvacuum tube transportation train 15 may be enabled by a magneticlevitation (mag-lev) propulsion system 24, which is substantiallyfrictionless and eliminates or greatly reduces rolling friction. Themag-lev propulsion system 24 (see FIG. 1B) may include a plurality ofguide magnets 26 (see FIG. 1B) and a plurality of vehicle magnets 28(see FIG. 1B) to create both lift and substantially frictionlesspropulsion to move the of high-speed vacuum tube transportation train 15(see FIG. 1B) along a guideway through the vacuum transport tube 16 (seeFIG. 1B) at very high speeds.

Now referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3, FIG. 2A is an illustration of a topsectional view of an embodiment of a vacuum volume reduction system 10of the disclosure used with a vacuum transport tube vehicle 60, such asa vacuum transport tube train 60 a, at a vacuum tube vehicle station 12.FIG. 3 is an illustration of a functional block diagram of an exemplaryembodiment of a vacuum transport tube vehicle system 10 of thedisclosure for reducing a volume 50 to be evacuated at a vacuum tubevehicle station 12.

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 3, the vacuum volume reduction system 10 comprisesa station vacuum tube 33 disposed in an interior 31 a of a station wall30 of the vacuum tube vehicle station 12. The station vacuum tube 33(see FIGS. 2A, 3) has a tube volume 50 a, which is part of the volume 50that is vacuum at the vacuum tube vehicle station 12. The vacuum volumereduction system 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) displaces the tube volume 50 a(see FIGS. 2A, 3) between the station wall 30 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) and thevehicle outer surface 80 (see FIGS. 2A, 3), and in turn, reduces avolume 50 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehiclestation 12.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2B, 2C, and discussed in furtherdetail below, the station vacuum tube 33 is a modular station vacuumtube 33 a (see also FIG. 3) that is integrated with the volume reductionassembly 90 (see also FIG. 3), to form a modular tube volume reductionassembly 90 a (see also FIG. 3), configured for installation in thestation wall 30 (see also FIGS. 2A, 3). In another embodiment, as shownin FIG. 4B, and discussed in further detail below, the station vacuumtube 33 is a built-in station vacuum tube 33 b formed in the stationwall 30, and the volume reduction assembly 90 is coupled to the built-instation vacuum tube 33 b.

As further shown in FIG. 2A, the station wall 30 of the vacuum tubevehicle station 12 has an interior 31 a, an exterior 31 b, a first end32 a, and a second end 32 b. As further shown in FIG. 2A, vacuum tubes16 may be coupled to the first end 32 a and the second end 32 b,respectively, and each vacuum tube 16 has an interior 54 a, an exterior54 b, an inner surface 56 a, and an outer surface 56 b. The interior 54a of the vacuum tubes 16 is preferably coextensive with the interior 31a of the station wall 30 and an interior 36 a (see FIG. 4C) of thestation vacuum tube 33.

As further shown in FIG. 2A, the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60, suchas the vacuum transport tube train 60 a, comprises a forward end 72 a,and an aft end 72 b. As further shown in FIGS. 2A, 3, the vacuumtransport tube vehicle 60, such as the vacuum transport tube train 60 a,comprises a constant radius portion 74, a contour portion 75, aninterior 76, an outer vehicle wall 78, and a vehicle outer surface 80.The vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIGS. 2A, 3), such as thevacuum transport tube train 60 a (see FIG. 2A), may be controlled andpowered via a vehicle power and control system 88 (see FIGS. 2A, 3), andthe vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) may be enabled bya magnetic levitation (mag-lev) propulsion system 24 (see FIGS. 1B, 3),which is substantially frictionless and eliminates or greatly reducesrolling friction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the interior 76 of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60 preferably comprises a cabin 76 a, a cargo compartment 76 b, and aceiling 76 c. As further shown in FIGS. 2A, 3, the vacuum transport tubevehicle 60 may comprise one or more vehicle doors 66.

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 3, the vacuum tube vehicle station 12 may compriseone or more station doors 68, and one or more station passageways 70comprising walkways from the vacuum tube vehicle station 12 to thevacuum transport tube vehicle 60. The vacuum tube vehicle station 12 hasstation space filled with air 52 (see FIGS. 2A, 3), such as ambient air52 a (see FIGS. 2A, 3). The vacuum tube vehicle station 12 further has avolume 50 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) comprising a tube volume 50 a (see FIGS. 2A,3) and a door cavity volume 50 b (see FIGS. 2A, 3) for evacuation 166(see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 3, the vacuum volume reduction system 10 furthercomprises a volume reduction assembly 90 coupled to the station vacuumtube 33. The volume reduction assembly 90 (see FIG. 3) has a controlsystem 108 (see FIG. 3) for radially moving the volume reductionassembly 90 to and from a vehicle outer surface 80 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) ofa vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 at the vacuum tube vehicle station12. The volume reduction assembly 90 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) engages aroundthe vehicle outer surface 80 (see FIG. 3), for loading and unloading ofone or more of, passengers 62 (see FIG. 9B) and cargo 64 (see FIG. 6B),through one or more vehicle doors 66 (see FIGS. 3, 9B) of the vacuumtransport tube vehicle 60 (see FIGS. 3, 9B), and through one or morestation doors 68 (see FIGS. 3, 9B) of the vacuum tube vehicle station12. Engages around may mean that the volume reduction assembly 90 mayform a seal 91 (see FIG. 3) in a sealed engagement 91 a (see FIG. 3)around the vehicle outer surface 80 (see FIG. 3), or may mean that thevolume reduction assembly 90 engages in close or near proximity, such as⅛ inch to ¼ inch distance, to the vehicle outer surface 80 (see FIGS.2A, 3) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2B, 2C, as discussed in detailbelow, the volume reduction assembly 90 comprises a plurality of blocks92 installed in a plurality of cavities 40 longitudinally formed arounda circumference 42 of the station vacuum tube 33. The plurality ofblocks 92 (see FIGS. 3, 2B, 2C) are configured to move to reduce a gapvolume 100 a (see FIGS. 3, 7B) formed between the plurality of blocks 92and the vehicle outer surface 80, for the loading and the unloading ofone or more of, the passengers 62 and the cargo 64, through the one ormore vehicle doors 66 and through the one or more station doors 68. Theplurality of blocks 92 (see FIGS. 2C, 3) are preferably comprised of acompliant material 102 (see FIG. 3) such as a foam, a rubber, a foamrubber, or another suitably compliant material, that allows theplurality of blocks 92 to deform to match a shape 104 (see FIGS. 3, 5B)of the plurality of cavities 40 (see FIGS. 3, 5B).

The plurality of blocks 92 may be moved with a control system 108 (seeFIGS. 2C, 3). As shown in FIG. 3, the control system 108 may compriseone of, a mechanical actuator control system 108 a, a pneumatic actuatorcontrol system 108 b, a hydraulic actuator control system 108 c, anelectrical actuator control system 108 d, or another suitable controlsystem for controlling movement and actuation of the volume reductionassembly 90. In one embodiment, the control system 108 (see FIGS. 2C, 3)comprises the mechanical actuator control system 108 a (see FIGS. 2C, 3)comprising one or more worm gears 110 (see FIGS. 2C, 3) coupled to oneor more scissor jacks 112 (see FIGS. 2C, 3).

As shown in FIG. 3, the vacuum volume reduction system 10 furthercomprises one or more door seals 122 that are coupled to the stationwall 30, and configured to surround a perimeter 125 of, and to seal,each of the one or more vehicle doors 66, and to seal off a door cavity132 having a door cavity volume 50 b. As shown in FIG. 9B, the door seal122 may be deployed from and retracted into a door seal cavity 123. Thedoor seal 122 (see FIG. 3) is preferably controlled with a door sealcontrol system 124 (see FIG. 3).

The vacuum volume reduction system 10 (see FIG. 3) further comprises anair supply assembly 130 (see FIG. 3) coupled to the station wall 30 (seeFIG. 3), and configured to supply air 52 (see FIG. 3) to the door cavity132 (see FIG. 3). The air supply assembly 130 (see FIG. 3) is preferablyconfigured to supply air 52 (see FIG. 3) comprising one of, ambient air52 a (see FIG. 3) or compressed air 52 b (see FIG. 3), to the doorcavity 132, before the loading and the unloading of one or more of, thepassengers 62 and the cargo 64. The door cavity 132 (see FIG. 3) ispositioned between each of the one or more vehicle doors 66 (see FIG. 3)and each of the one or more station doors 68 (see FIG. 3). As shown inFIG. 3, the air supply assembly 130 may comprise one or more air pumps134, one or more air ducts 136, one or more air supply control valves138, and other suitable components.

The vacuum volume reduction system 10 (see FIG. 3) further comprises avent-to-vacuum assembly 140 (see FIG. 3) coupled to the station wall 30(see FIG. 3), and configured to evacuate the air 52 (see FIG. 3) fromthe door cavity 132 (see FIG. 3). The vent-to-vacuum assembly 140 (seeFIG. 3) is configured to evacuate the air 52 (see FIG. 3) comprising oneof, the ambient air 52 a (see FIG. 3) or the compressed air 52 b (seeFIG. 3), from the door cavity 132 (see FIG. 3), after the loading andthe unloading of one or more of, the passengers 62 and the cargo 64. Asshown in FIG. 3, the vent-to-vacuum assembly 140 may comprise one ormore vacuum pumps 142, one or more vacuum ducts 144, one or more vacuumvalves 146, and one or more vacuum reservoirs 148 for collected theevacuated air. The vent-to-vacuum assembly 140 (see FIG. 3) may furthercomprise one or more vents 149 (see FIG. 3) for venting the evacuatedair.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 20A-20E, discussed in further detail below,the vacuum volume reduction system 10 may further comprise a door cavityvolume reduction surface 150 coupled to each of one or more stationdoors 68, such as curved station doors 69, and configured to displacethe door cavity volume 50 b, to further reduce the volume 50 to beevacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station 12. The door cavity volumereduction surface 150 (see FIGS. 3, 20A) comprises an inflatable doorbladder 152 (see FIGS. 3, 20A) coupled to the air supply assembly 130(see FIGS. 3, 20A), to inflate the inflatable door bladder 152 to expandtoward the one or more vehicle doors 66 (see FIGS. 3, 20A). Theinflatable door bladder 152 (see FIGS. 3, 20A) is further coupled to thevent-to-vacuum assembly 140 (see FIGS. 3, 20A), to deflate theinflatable door bladder 152, to retract from the one or more vehicledoors 66. The inflatable door bladder 152 (see FIGS. 3, 20A) is furthercoupled to one or more of, a plurality of spring elements 154 (see FIG.20A), or a plurality of elastic elements 156 (see FIG. 20A), to providea force 157 (see FIG. 3) to retract the inflatable door bladder 152 (seeFIGS. 3, 20A).

The vacuum volume reduction system 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) may furthercomprise one or more pressure seals 82 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) coupled to thevacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIGS. 2A, 3). As shown in FIG. 2A,one or more pressure seals 82 may be coupled at a forward location 86 ofthe vacuum transport tube vehicle 60, and one or more pressure seals 82may be coupled at an aft location 84 of the vacuum transport tubevehicle 60.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the vacuum volume reduction system 10 may furthercomprise a first pressure barrier seal 87 a coupled to the station wall30 and configured to deploy in front of the vacuum transport tubevehicle 60, after the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 has arrived atthe vacuum tube vehicle station 12, and may further comprise a secondpressure barrier seal 87 b coupled to the station wall 30 and configuredto deploy behind the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60, after vacuumtransport tube vehicle 60 has arrived at the vacuum tube vehicle station12.

Now referring to FIGS. 2B and 2C, FIG. 2B is an illustration of a sideperspective view of an embodiment of a volume reduction assembly 90, inthe form of a modular tube volume reduction assembly 90 a, of thedisclosure. FIG. 2C is an illustration of an enlarged cut-away sideperspective view of the modular tube volume reduction assembly 90 a ofFIG. 2B. As shown in FIGS. 2B, 2C, in another embodiment, there isprovided the modular tube volume reduction assembly 90 a for use at thevacuum tube vehicle station 12 (see FIG. 2A). FIGS. 2B, 2C show themodular tube volume reduction assembly 90 a engaged around the vacuumtransport tube vehicle 60, and show the interior 76, which includes thecabin 76 a, the cargo compartment 76 b, and the ceiling 76 c.

The modular tube volume reduction assembly 90 a (see FIGS. 2B, 2C)comprises the station vacuum tube 33 (see FIGS. 2B, 2C), such as in theform of a modular station vacuum tube 33 a (see FIGS. 2B, 2C) having aninner surface 34 a (see FIG. 2C) and an outer surface 34 b (see FIG.2C). The modular tube volume reduction assembly 90 a (see FIGS. 2B, 2C)further has a tube volume 50 a (see FIG. 3) and a plurality of cavities40 (see FIGS. 2B, 2C) longitudinally formed around a circumference 42(see FIG. 2B) of the modular station vacuum tube 33 a (see FIGS. 2B,2C). As shown in FIG. 2C, each cavity 40, has a cavity interior 43 a, aninterior end 44 a, an exterior end 44 b, a first side 46 a, a secondside 46 b, and a nominal point 48 where the first side 46 a and thesecond side 46 b join.

The modular tube volume reduction assembly 90 a (see FIGS. 2B, 2C)further comprises a volume reduction assembly 90 (see FIGS. 2B, 2C)integrated with the modular station vacuum tube 33 a (see FIGS. 2B, 2C).The volume reduction assembly 90 (see FIGS. 2B, 2C) comprises theplurality of blocks 92 (see FIGS. 2B, 2C) longitudinally coupled to thecavity interior 43 a (see FIG. 2C) of each of the plurality of cavities40 (see FIGS. 2B, 2C). The plurality of blocks 92 (see FIGS. 2B, 2C) maycomprise longitudinal blocks 92 a (see FIGS. 2B, 2C) having alongitudinal one-piece monolithic structure 106 (see FIGS. 2C, 3).

As shown in FIG. 2C, each block 92 has an inner surface 94 a and anouter surface 94 b. The plurality of blocks 92 (see FIGS. 2B, 2C) forthe modular tube volume reduction assembly 90 a (see FIGS. 2B, 2C) arepreferably comprised of a compliant material 102 (see FIG. 3), asdiscussed above, that allows the plurality of blocks 92 to deform tomatch a shape 104 (see FIG. 3) of the plurality of cavities 40. Asfurther shown in FIG. 2C, the plurality of blocks 92 are in a blockposition 170 comprising a fully deployed position 170 c where the innersurface 94 a of each block 92 is in engaged around the vehicle outersurface 80 of the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60. The plurality ofblocks 92 may engage around the vehicle outer surface 80 by contactingthe vehicle outer surface 80 directly to form a seal 91 (see FIG. 3) ina sealed engagement 91 a (see FIG. 3) against the vehicle outer surface80, or the plurality of blocks 92 may engage around the vehicle outersurface 80 by engaging in close or near proximity, such as ⅛ inch or ¼inch distance, to the vehicle outer surface 80.

As shown in FIGS. 2B, 2C, the volume reduction assembly 90, in the formof a modular tube volume reduction assembly 90 a, comprises a controlsystem 108, such as a mechanical actuator control system 108 a, coupledbetween the modular station vacuum tube 33 and the plurality of blocks92. As shown in FIG. 2C, the mechanical actuator control system 108 acomprises worm gears 110 coupled to a plurality of scissor jacks 112.However, the mechanical actuator control system 108 a may comprise othersuitable mechanical actuation devices.

The control system 108 (see FIGS. 2B, 2C) is configured to radially movethe plurality of blocks 92 (see FIGS. 2B, 2C) to and from the vehicleouter surface 80 (see FIG. 2C) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60(see FIGS. 2B, 2C), such as the vacuum transport tube train 60 a (seeFIGS. 2B, 2C), to engage around the vehicle outer surface 80, such as ina sealed engagement 91 a (see FIG. 3) to directly contact the vehicleouter surface 80, or in a close or near proximity engagement, such as ⅛inch to ¼ inch distance, to the vehicle outer surface 80. This occursfor loading and unloading of one or more of, passengers 62 (see FIG. 9B)and cargo 64 (see FIG. 6B) in the cargo compartment 76 b (see FIGS. 2B,2C), through one or more vehicle doors 66 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) of thevacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C) and through oneor more station doors 68 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) of the vacuum tube vehiclestation 12 (see FIG. 2A), when the modular tube volume reductionassembly 90 a (see FIG. 2C) is used at the vacuum tube vehicle station12 (see FIG. 2A), such as being installed in the station wall 30 (seeFIG. 2A). The modular tube volume reduction assembly 90 a (see FIGS. 2B,2C) displaces the tube volume 50 a (see FIG. 2A) between the stationwall 30 (see FIG. 2A) and the vehicle outer surface 80 (see FIG. 2C),and in turn, reduces the volume 50 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) to be evacuated atthe vacuum tube vehicle station 12 (see FIG. 2A).

Now referring to FIG. 2D. FIG. 2D FIG. 2D is an illustration of anenlarged cut-away side perspective view of another embodiment of avolume reduction assembly 90 in the form of an inflatable bladder 114 ofthe disclosure. The volume reduction assembly 90 (see FIG. 3) comprisesone or more inflatable bladders 114 (see FIGS. 2D, 3) coupled to thestation vacuum tube 33 (see FIGS. 2D, 3). The one or more inflatablebladders 114 (see FIGS. 2D, 3) are each configured to inflate to reducea gap volume 100 a (see FIG. 3) formed between the one or moreinflatable bladders 114 and the vehicle outer surface 80 (see FIG. 3) ofthe vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG. 2D), such as in the formof vacuum transport tube train 60 a (see FIG. 2D), for the loading andthe unloading of one or more of, the passengers 62 (see FIG. 9B) and thecargo 64 (see FIG. 6B), through the one or more vehicle doors 66 (seeFIG. 6B) and through the one or more station doors 68 (see FIG. 9B).FIG. 2D shows the interior 76 of the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60,including the cabin 76 a, the cargo compartment 76 b, and the ceiling 76c.

As shown in FIG. 2D, in an inflated position 115 b, the inflatablebladder 114 has a bladder inner side 116 a coupled against the vacuumtransport tube vehicle 60 to engage around the vehicle outer surface 80of the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60. The inflatable bladder 114 (seeFIG. 2D) may engage around the vehicle outer surface 80 (see FIG. 2D) bycontacting the vehicle outer surface 80 directly to form a seal 91 (seeFIG. 3) in a sealed engagement 91 a (see FIG. 3) against the vehicleouter surface 80, or the inflatable bladder 114 may engage around thevehicle outer surface 80 by engaging in close or near proximity, such as⅛ inch or ¼ inch distance, to the vehicle outer surface 80. Theinflatable bladder 114 (see FIG. 2D) has a bladder outer side 116 b (seeFIG. 2D) coupled to station vacuum tube 33 (see FIG. 2D). FIG. 2Dfurther shows the inflatable bladder 114 in a deflated position 115 awith dotted lines in which the bladder body 120 is reduced in size withthe bladder outer side 116 b still coupled to station vacuum tube 33. Inan inflated position 115 b (see FIG. 2D), a bladder body 120 (see FIG.2D) of the inflatable bladder 114 (see FIG. 2D) fills a gap 100 (seeFIG. 2D). The gap 100 (see FIG. 2D) is between the bladder inner side116 a (see FIG. 2D), when the inflatable bladder 114 is in the deflatedposition 115 a, and the vehicle outer surface 80 (see FIG. 2D) of thevacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG. 2D).

The inflatable bladder 114 (see FIG. 2D) is configured to inflate toreduce the gap 100 (see FIG. 2D) between the bladder inner side 116 a(see FIG. 2D) and the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG. 2D),when the inflatable bladder 114 expands from the deflated position 115 a(see FIG. 2D) to the inflated position 115 b (see FIG. 2D), and toengage around the vehicle outer surface 80 (see FIG. 2C) of the vacuumtransport tube vehicle 60, when the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60arrives at and stops at the vacuum tube vehicle station 12 (see FIG.2A). As shown in FIGS. 2D, 3, each of the one or more inflatablebladders 114 comprises the bladder inner side 116 a, the bladder outerside 116 b, a bladder interior 118 a, a bladder exterior 118 b, and thebladder body 120.

As shown in FIG. 2D, the inflatable bladder 114 may be inflated to theinflated position 115 b via air 52 from the air supply assembly 130coupled between the station wall 30 and the inflatable bladder. Asfurther shown in FIG. 2D, the inflatable bladder 114 may be deflated tothe deflated position 115 a via the evacuation of air 52 out of theinflatable bladder 114 via the vent-to-vacuum assembly 140 coupledbetween the inflatable bladder 114 and the station wall 30. However,other suitable inflation and deflation devices or systems may also beused to inflate and deflate the inflatable bladder 114.

FIG. 2E is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of yetanother embodiment of a volume reduction assembly 90 coupled to thestation tube vehicle 33 in the station wall 30 of the disclosure in theform of a plurality of extendable blocks 92 b of the disclosure. In thisembodiment, the volume reduction assembly 90 comprises the plurality ofextendable blocks 92 b. Each extendable block 92 b comprises anextendable portion 99 that is extendable from the main block body 98.FIG. 2E shows the extendable block 92 b in a retracted position 99 awith a gap 100 having a gap volume between the extendable block 92 b andthe outer vehicle surface 80 of the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60,such as the vacuum transport tube train 60 a. The gap volume 100 a (seeFIG. 2E) is part of the volume 50 (see FIG. 2E). FIG. 2E further showsthe extendable block 92 b in an extended position 99 b, where just theextendable portion 99, and not the main block body 98 is moved radiallyinward via the control system 108 in contact with the vehicle outersurface 80 to engage around the vehicle outer surface 80. The extendableportions 99 of the plurality of extendable blocks 92 b may engage aroundthe vehicle outer surface 80 by contacting the vehicle outer surface 80directly to form a seal 91 (see FIG. 3) in a sealed engagement 91 a (seeFIG. 3) against the vehicle outer surface 80, or the extendable portions99 of the plurality of extendable blocks 92 b may engage around thevehicle outer surface 80 by engaging in close or near proximity, such as⅛ inch or ¼ inch distance, to the vehicle outer surface 80.

Now referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, FIG. 4A is an illustration of across-sectional side view of a station wall 30 of a vacuum tube vehiclestation 12 (see FIG. 12A) that may be used with embodiments of a vacuumvolume reduction system 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) of the disclosure. FIG. 4Bis an illustration of a cross-sectional front view of the station wall30 of FIG. 4A showing an embodiment of a station vacuum tube. FIG. 4C isan illustration of a cross-sectional front view of a station wallshowing another embodiment of a station vacuum tube 33.

FIG. 4A shows cavities and the exterior end 44 b of the cavities. FIG.4B shows the station vacuum tube 33, such as in the form of a built-instation vacuum tube 33 b, that may be built into the station wall 30.FIG. 4B further shows the plurality of cavities 40, where each cavity 40has the interior end 44 a, the exterior end 44 b, the first side 46 a,the second side 46 b, and the nominal point 48 where the first side 46 aof one cavity 40 meets or joins with a second side 46 b of an adjacentcavity 40 a. As shown in FIG. 4B, the first side 46 a shown as LINE A isextended and is parallel to extended LINE B indicating the second side46 b. FIG. 4B further shows the inner surface 34 a of the station vacuumtube 33, the outer surface 34 b of the station vacuum tube 33, theinterior 36 a of the station vacuum tube 33, and the exterior 36 b ofthe station vacuum tube 33. The station wall interior 36 a comprises avacuum 50, such as a tube volume 50 a.

FIG. 4C shows in partial view the volume reduction assembly 90, such asin the form of modular tube volume reduction assembly 90 a, installed inthe station wall 30. The volume reduction assembly 90, such as in theform of modular tube volume reduction assembly 90, includes the stationvacuum tube 33, in the form of a modular station vacuum tube 33, withthe inner surface 34 a and the outer surface 34 b, and shows the cavity40, the control system 108, and the blocks 92. As further shown in FIG.4C, the volume reduction assembly 90 may include a liner element 49coupled to the interior 31 a of the station wall 30 for contact orengagement with the outer surface 34 b of the station vacuum tube 34 b.The liner 49 (see FIG. 4C) may provide additional protection againstleaks, as well as a protective layer for the volume reduction assembly90.

Now referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, FIG. 5A is an illustration of across-sectional side view of an embodiment of a volume reductionassembly 90, such as in the form of the plurality of blocks 92, in thestation wall 30, and showing the outer surface 94 b of the blocks 92.FIG. 5B is an illustration of a cross-sectional front view of the volumereduction assembly 90, in the form of the plurality of blocks 92, ofFIG. 5A in the station wall 30.

FIG. 5B shows the plurality of blocks 92 inserted in the cavities 40 ofthe station vacuum tube 33 shows each block 92 conforming to the shape104 of each cavity 40. As shown in FIG. 5B, each block 92 comprises aninner surface 94 a, an outer surface 94 b, sides 96 including a firstside 96 a and a second side 96 b, and a block body 98. FIG. 5B furthershows the control system 108, such as in the form of an mechanicalactuator control system 108 a, for moving or actuating the blocks 92,when deployed, radially inward toward the vehicle outer surface 80, sothat the inner surface 94 a of each block 92 contacts or engages thevehicle outer surface 80 (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 5B) of thevacuum transport tube vehicle 60 after the vacuum transport tube vehicle60 has arrived at the vacuum tube vehicle station 12. The actuation ofthe blocks 92 by the control system 108 may be mechanical, pneumatic,hydraulic, or electric. The amount of force required to move the blocks92 inward and later outward will likely be minimal, because they aremoving in a vacuum, and they are not designed to impart a large forceupon the outer vehicle wall 78 (see FIG. 6B). The material of the blocks92 is preferably a compliant material 102 (see FIG. 3), so that it caneasily deform to match the contour portion 75 (see FIG. 2A) of thevacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG. 2A). FIG. 5B further showsthe volume 50, such as the tube volume 50 a.

Now referring to FIGS. 6A-18B, various stages of operation of anembodiment of the volume reduction assembly 90, such as in the form of aplurality of blocks 90 in cavities 40, of the vacuum volume reductionsystem 10 of the disclosure, are discussed, when a vacuum transport tubevehicle 60, such as a vacuum transport tube train 60 a, arrives at,stops to load and unload passengers 62 and/or cargo 64, and exits from avacuum volume vehicle station 12. It is noted that one or more of thesestages of operation may also be performed with other embodiments of thevolume reduction assembly 90, such as the inflatable bladder 114 (seeFIG. 2D), the longitudinal blocks 92 a (see FIG. 2B), the extendableblocks 92 b (see FIG. 2E), and other embodiments disclosed herein.

Now referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, FIG. 6A is an illustration of across-sectional side view of an embodiment of a volume reductionassembly 90, in the form of a plurality of blocks 92, when a vacuumtransport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG. 6B), such as a vacuum transport tubetrain 60 a (see FIG. 6B), arrives at a vacuum tube vehicle station 12(see FIG. 2A). FIG. 6A shows a vehicle arrival stage side view 172 a,and also shows the station wall 30, the block outer side 94 b, and thevolume 50.

FIG. 6B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly 90, such as in the form of the plurality ofblocks 92, of FIG. 6A, showing the plurality of blocks 92 in a blockposition 170 of a fully retracted position 170 a. FIG. 6B shows avehicle arrival stage front view 172 b. FIG. 6B further shows a gap 100with a gap volume 100 a between the vehicle outer surface 80 of theouter vehicle wall 78 of the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60, and theinner surface 94 a of each block 92. Between the vehicle outer surface80 (see FIG. 6B) and the inner surface 94 a (see FIG. 6B) of each block92 is the gap 100 (see FIG. 6B) having a gap width 100 b (see FIG. 3) ofa few inches, where the gap 100 is part of the volume 50 (see FIG. 6B),such as the tube volume 50 a (see FIG. 6B). FIG. 6B further shows thestation wall 30, the station vacuum tube 33, the vacuum transport tubevehicle 60 with the interior 76, including the cabin 76 a having chairs77 and cabin air 52 c, the cargo compartment 76 b having cargo 64, suchas luggage 64 a stored in the cargo compartment 76 b, the ceiling 76 c,and the vehicle door 66. FIG. 6B further shows the volume reductionassembly 90, such as the plurality of block 92, disposed in the cavities40 and coupled to the control system 108 that operates movement, such asdeployment and retraction, of the plurality of blocks 92.

Now referring to FIGS. 7A-7B, FIG. 7A is an illustration of across-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reductionassembly 90, in the form of the plurality of blocks 92, and shows theouter surface 94 b of the plurality of blocks 92 which are coupled tothe station wall 30, and shows the volume 50. FIG. 7A shows a blocksmoving into place stage side view 174 a.

FIG. 7B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly 90 of FIG. 7A showing the plurality of blocks92 in the block position 170 of a partially deployed position 170 b.FIG. 7B shows a blocks moving into place stage front view 174 b. FIG. 7Bshows the station wall 30, the station vacuum tube 33, the cavities 40with an interior end 44 a, the control system 108, and the vacuumtransport tube vehicle 60, such as the vacuum transport tube train 60 a,when the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 has arrived at the vacuum tubevehicle station 12 (see FIG. 3) and is stopped, and the plurality ofblocks 92 are moving into place. FIG. 7B further shows the inner surface94 a and the outer surface 94 b of the plurality of blocks 92, whichmove radially inward toward the vehicle outer surface 80 of the outervehicle wall 78 of the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60, such as thevacuum transport tube train 60 a. The plurality of blocks 92 preferablydo not change their overall shape and size but experience a rigid bodyradial motion. FIG. 7B further shows the interior 76 of the vacuumtransport tube vehicle 60, including the cabin 76 a having cabin air 52c, and the vehicle door 66, and shows the volume 50. As the plurality ofblocks 92 move radially toward the vehicle outer surface 80, via thecontrol system 108, the gap 100 and the gap volume 100 a, gets displacedand gets smaller in size. At this point, all volumes 50 (see also FIG.3) inside the vacuum tube vehicle station 12 (see FIG. 2A) are in avacuum. As shown in FIG. 7B, this includes the volume 50 and the gapvolume 100 a.

Now referring to FIGS. 8A-8B, FIG. 8A is an illustration of across-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reductionassembly 90, in the form of the plurality of blocks 92, and shows theouter surface 94 b of the plurality of blocks 92, which blocks 92 arecoupled to the station wall 30, and shows the volume 50. FIG. 8A shows aplurality of blocks in contact with outer vehicle walls stage side view176 a.

FIG. 8B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly 90 of FIG. 8A showing the plurality of blocks92 in the block position 170 of a fully deployed position 170 c. FIG. 8Bshows a plurality of blocks in contact with outer vehicle walls stagefront view 176 b. FIG. 8B shows all of the plurality of blocks 92 havemoved into place where they are contacting the vehicle outer surface 80of the outer vehicle wall 78 of the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60,such as the vacuum transport tube train 60 a, and have also moved intocontact with each other. The dimensions of each block 92 may be designedsuch that each is slightly larger than the cavity 40 allotted for eachblock 92 in the fully deployed position 170 c, thus causing the sides 96to be compressed against each other. This compressive force causes thesurfaces of the sides 96 to bear snugly against each other, and makes itdifficult for air molecules to travel between the blocks 92 and residethere. FIG. 8B shows the plurality of blocks 92 forming a seal 91 in asealed engagement 91 a around the outer vehicle surface 80 of the vacuumtransport tube vehicle 60. Alternatively, the plurality of blocks 92 mayengage around the outer vehicle surface 80 in close or near proximity tothe outer vehicle surface 80, such as ⅛ inch to ¼ inch distance awayfrom the outer vehicle surface 80. FIG. 8B further shows the stationwall 30, the station vacuum tube 33, the cavities 40 with an interiorend 44 a, the control system 108, and the vacuum transport tube vehicle60 with the interior 76, including the cabin 76 a having cabin air 52 c,and the vehicle door 66, and shows the volume 50. As the plurality ofblocks 92 move into place, the gap 100 and the gap volume 100 a, getsdisplaced, and FIG. 8B shows no gap 100 (see FIG. 8B).

Now referring to FIGS. 9A-9B, FIG. 9A is an illustration of across-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reductionassembly 90, in the form of the plurality of blocks 92, and shows avehicle door 66 in a closed position 66 a, with a perimeter 125, andwith a door seal 122 in a deployed position 122 a. FIG. 9A is shown fromthe view of viewing the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG. 9B)from the door cavity 132 (see FIG. 9B) between the vehicle door 66 (seeFIG. 9B) and the station door 68 (see FIG. 9B). FIG. 9A shows theplurality of blocks 92 in the station wall 30, and shows the volume 50,such as a tube volume 50 a. FIG. 9A shows a door seal in place stageside view 178 a.

FIG. 9B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly 90 of FIG. 9A, and FIG. 9B shows the pluralityof blocks 92 in the block position 170 of a fully deployed position 170c and shows the door seal 122 in a deployed position 122 a deployed froma door seal cavity 123. FIG. 9B shows a door seal in place stage frontview 178 b. FIG. 9B shows the station wall 30, the station vacuum tube33, the cavities 40 with an interior end 44 a, and the vacuum transporttube vehicle 60, such as the vacuum transport tube train 60 a. FIG. 9Bshows the inner surface 94 a, the outer surface 94 b, and the volume 50,such as the tube volume 50 a. FIG. 9B further shows a passenger 62, thevehicle door 66 in a closed position 66 a, the vehicle door outersurface 126 a, the vehicle door inner surface 126 b, the station door 68in a closed position 68 a, the station door outer surface 127 a, thestation door inner surface 127 b, the door cavity 132 between thevehicle door 66 and the station door 68, the ambient air 52 a in thevacuum tube vehicle station 12, the air supply assembly 130, the vent-tovacuum assembly 140, and the volume 50, including the tube volume 50 aand the door cavity volume 50 b. To prepare for the eventual opening ofthe vehicle door 66, the door seal 122 has moved inward, via a door sealcontrol system 124 (see FIG. 3), from the station wall 30 to contact thevehicle outer surface 80, including the vehicle door outer surface 126a, of the vehicle door 66. The door seal 122 is shaped to form a sealaround the perimeter 125 (see FIG. 9A) of the vehicle door 66.

Now referring to FIGS. 10A-10B, FIG. 10A is an illustration of across-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reductionassembly 90, in the form of the plurality of blocks 92, and shows thevehicle door 66 with the door seal 122. FIG. 10A is shown from the viewof viewing the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG. 10B) from thedoor cavity 132 (see FIG. 10B) between the vehicle door 66 (see FIG.10B) and the station door 68 (see FIG. 10B). FIG. 10A shows theplurality of blocks 92 in the station wall 30, and shows the volume 50,such as the tube volume 50 a. FIG. 10A shows an air allowed into doorcavity stage side view 180 a.

FIG. 10B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly 90, such as the plurality of blocks 92, ofFIG. 10A showing air 52, such as ambient air 52 a, being supplied to thedoor cavity 132 via then air supply assembly 130. The supply of ambientair 52 a may be at ambient pressure. Alternatively, compressed air 52 b(see FIG. 3) may be supplied to the door cavity 132. If compressed air52 b (see FIG. 3) is used, a smaller tube may be used to quickly fillthe door cavity 132 (see FIG. 10B). The diameter of each of the supplytube or tubes for the air supply assembly 130 may be designed tominimize noise. FIG. 10B shows an air allowed into door cavity stagefront view 180 b. FIG. 10B further shows the plurality of blocks 92still in the block position 170 of the fully deployed position 170 c andshows the door seal 122 deployed from the door seal cavity 123. FIG. 10Bshows the station wall 30, the station vacuum tube 33, the vehicle door66 and the station door 68, the ambient air 52 a in the vacuum tubevehicle station 12, the air supply assembly 130 in an open position 130a, the vent-to vacuum assembly 140 in a closed position 130 b, and theplurality of blocks 92 forming a seal 91 in a sealed engagement 91 awith the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60, such as the vacuum transporttube train 60 a. Alternately, the plurality of blocks 92 may engagearound the outer vehicle surface 80 in close or near proximity, such as⅛ inch or ¼ inch distance away, or another suitable proximate distanceaway.

Now referring to FIGS. 11A-11B, FIG. 11A is an illustration of across-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reductionassembly 90, in the form of the plurality of blocks 92 and shows thevehicle door 66 in an opened position 66 b with a passenger 62 standingin the opened vehicle door 66 and shows the door seal 122 still aroundthe vehicle door 66. FIG. 11A is shown from the view of viewing thevacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG. 11B) from the door cavity 132(see FIG. 10B) between the vehicle door 66 (see FIG. 10B) now in theopened position 66 b (see also FIG. 11B) and the station door 68 (seeFIG. 10B) now in the opened position 68 b (see FIG. 11B). FIG. 11A showsthe plurality of blocks 92 in the station wall 30, and shows the volume50, such as the tube volume 50 a. FIG. 9A shows a door opened stage sideview 182 a.

FIG. 11B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly 90, such as the plurality of blocks 92, ofFIG. 11A, and shows the vehicle door 66 (see FIG. 66) in the openedposition 66 b. The plurality of blocks 92 are still in the fullydeployed position 170 c (see FIG. 10B). FIG. 11B shows a door openedstage front view 182 b. FIG. 11B shows the station wall 30, the stationvacuum tube 33, the cavities 40, the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60,such as the vacuum transport tube train 60 a, and the volume 50, such asthe tube volume 50 a. FIG. 11B further shows the ambient air 52 a in thecabin 76 a (see FIG. 8B), and ambient air 52 a in the vacuum tubevehicle station 12 which may flow and mix with the air in the door thedoor cavity 132 (see FIG. 10B), which is now open, and into the vacuumtransport tube vehicle 60, which is now open. FIG. 11B further shows theair supply assembly 130 in the open position 130 a and shows the airsupply assembly 130 supplying air 52, such as ambient air 52 a, to thedoor cavity 132 (see FIG. 10B) and to inside the vacuum transport tubevehicle. 60. FIG. 11B further shows the vent-to vacuum assembly 140 inthe closed position 140 b, the door seal 122 still deployed from thedoor seal cavity 123, and shows the volume 50, including the tube volume50 a. FIG. 11B shows that after the pressure in the door cavity 132 (seeFIG. 10B) is at ambient pressure, the vehicle door 66 (see FIG. 11A) maybe opened.

Now referring to FIGS. 12A-12B, FIG. 12A is an illustration of across-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reductionassembly 90, in the form of the plurality of blocks 92 and shows thevehicle door 66 in a closed position 66 a and shows the door seal 122still around the vehicle door 66. FIG. 12A is shown from the view ofviewing the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG. 12B) from thedoor cavity 132 (see FIG. 12B) between the vehicle door 66 (see FIG.12B) now in the closed position 66 a (see also FIG. 12B) and the stationdoor 68 (see FIG. 10B) now in the closed position 68 a (see FIG. 12B).FIG. 12A shows the plurality of blocks 92 in the station wall 30, andshows the volume 50, such as the tube volume 50 a. FIG. 12A shows a doorclosed stage side view 184 a.

FIG. 12B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly 90, such as the plurality of blocks 92, ofFIG. 12A showing the vehicle door 66 in the closed position 66 a, andshows the stage after passengers 62 (see FIG. 11B) have exited and/orentered the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60. FIG. 12B shows a doorclosed stage front view 184 b. FIG. 12B shows the station wall 30, thestation vacuum tube 33, the cavities 40, the vacuum transport tubevehicle 60, such as the vacuum transport tube train 60 a, and the volume50, such as the tube volume 50 a. FIG. 12B further shows the ambient air52 a in the vacuum tube vehicle station 12 and in the door cavity 132between the vehicle door 66 which is in the closed position 66 a and thestation door 68 which is in the closed position 68 a. FIG. 11B furthershows the air supply assembly 130 and the vent-to vacuum assembly 140,the door seal 122 still deployed from the door seal cavity 123, andshows the plurality of blocks 92 still in the block position 170 of thefully deployed position 170 c.

Now referring to FIGS. 13A-13B, FIG. 13A is an illustration of across-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reductionassembly 90, in the form of the plurality of blocks 92, and shows thevehicle door 66 with the door seal 122. The vehicle door 66 is still inthe closed position 66 a (see FIG. 12A). FIG. 13A is shown from the viewof viewing the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG. 13B) from thedoor cavity 132 (see FIG. 13B) between the vehicle door 66 (see FIG.13B) now in the closed position 66 a (see also FIG. 12B) and the stationdoor 68 (see FIG. 13B) now in the closed position 68 a (see FIG. 12B).FIG. 13A shows the plurality of blocks 92 in the station wall 30, andshows the volume 50, such as the tube volume 50 a. FIG. 13A shows a doorcavity evacuated stage side view 186 a.

FIG. 13B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly 90, such as the plurality of blocks 92, ofFIG. 13A showing the vehicle door 66 in the closed position (see FIG.12B), and showing the air 52, such as ambient air 52 a, being evacuatedfrom the door cavity 132 via the vent-to-vacuum assembly 140. As shownin FIG. 13B, the vent-to-vacuum assembly 140 is in the open position 140a, and the air supply assembly 130 is in the closed position 130 b. FIG.13B shows a door cavity evacuated stage front view 186 b. FIG. 13B showsthe station wall 30, the station vacuum tube 33, the cavities 40, thevacuum transport tube vehicle 60, such as the vacuum transport tubetrain 60 a, and the volume 50, such as the tube volume 50 a and the doorcavity volume 50 b. FIG. 13B further shows the ambient air 52 a in thevacuum tube vehicle station 12, the station door 68, the door seal 122still deployed from the door seal cavity 123, and shows the plurality ofblocks 92 still in the block position 170 of the fully deployed position170 c.

Now referring to FIGS. 14A-14B, FIG. 14A is an illustration of across-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reductionassembly 90 in the form of the plurality of blocks 92, and shows thevehicle door 66 with the door seal 122. The vehicle door 66 is in theclosed position 66 a (see FIG. 12A). FIG. 14A is shown from the view ofviewing the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG. 14B) from thedoor cavity 132 (see FIG. 14B) between the vehicle door 66 (see FIG.14B) and the station door 68 (see FIG. 14B). FIG. 14A shows theplurality of blocks 92 in the station wall 30, and shows the volume 50,such as the tube volume 50 a. FIG. 14A shows a vent-to-vacuum closedstage side view 188 a.

FIG. 14B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly 90, such as the plurality of blocks 92, ofFIG. 14A, showing the vehicle door 66, which is still in the closedposition 66 a (see FIG. 12B) and shows the vent-to-vacuum assembly 140in now in the closed position 140 b, after the door cavity 132 has beenevacuated to a desired vacuum quality 51 a (see FIG. 3). The air supplyassembly 130 (see FIG. 14B) is in the closed position 130 b (see FIG.14B). FIG. 14B shows a vent-to-vacuum closed stage front view 188 b.FIG. 14B shows the station wall 30, the station vacuum tube 33, thecavities 40, the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60, such as the vacuumtransport tube train 60 a, and the volume 50, such as the tube volume 50a and the door cavity volume 50 b. FIG. 14B further shows the ambientair 52 a in the vacuum tube vehicle station 12, the station door 68, thedoor seal 122 still deployed from the door seal cavity 123 (see FIG.13B), and shows the plurality of blocks 92 still in the block position170 of the fully deployed position 170 c.

Now referring to FIGS. 15A-15B, FIG. 15A is an illustration of across-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reductionassembly 90 in the form of the plurality of blocks 92 and shows thevehicle door 66 with the door seal 122. The vehicle door 66 (see FIG.15A) is in the closed position 66 a (see FIG. 12A). FIG. 15A is shownfrom the view of viewing the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG.15B) from the door cavity 132 (see FIG. 15B) between the vehicle door 66(see FIG. 15B) and the station door 68 (see FIG. 15B). FIG. 15A showsthe plurality of blocks 92 in the station wall 30, and shows the volume50, such as the tube volume 50 a. FIG. 15A shows a blocks partiallyretracted stage side view 190 a.

FIG. 15B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly 90, such as the plurality of blocks 92, ofFIG. 15A, showing the plurality of blocks 92 in the block position 170of a partially retracted position 170 d. FIG. 15B shows a blockspartially retracted stage front view 190 b. At this stage, the volume 50(see FIG. 15B), such as the tube volume 50 a, which is part of thestation volume 50 c (see FIG. 3), is opened to high vacuum.

The air supply assembly 130 (see FIG. 15B) is in the closed position 130b (see FIG. 14B), and the vent-to-vacuum 140 (see FIG. 15B) is in theclosed position 140 b (see FIG. 14B). FIG. 15B shows the station wall30, the station vacuum tube 33, the cavities 40, the vacuum transporttube vehicle 60, such as the vacuum transport tube train 60 a, and thevolume 50, such as the tube volume 50 a and the door cavity volume 50 b.FIG. 15B further shows the ambient air 52 a in the vacuum tube vehiclestation 12, the station door 68, the door seal 122 still deployed fromthe door seal cavity 123. The plurality of blocks 92 (see FIG. 15B) aremoved radially outward, so that the inner surface 94 a of each block 92is moved away from the vehicle outer surface 80 (see FIG. 15B) toincrease the gap 100 (see FIG. 15B) and decrease the cavity 40 as theouter surface 94 b of the block 92 gets closer to the interior end 44 aof the cavity 40. At this point, the gap 100 (see FIG. 15B) may beexposed to vacuum. This optional step may be used in case a significantamount of air has escaped past the door seals 122 (see FIG. 15B). Theorifice or set of orifices that vent the gap 100 may be one or two ventsnear the forward end 72 a (see FIG. 2A) and the aft end 72 b (see FIG.2A) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG. 2A), or they maybe distributed longitudinally and radially over the circumference andlength of the vacuum tube vehicle station 12 (see FIG. 2A).

It is noted that the sequence of deployment of the plurality of blocks92 and deployment of the door seal(s) 122 may be deployment of the doorseal(s) 122 and then deployment of the blocks 92, or may be deploymentof the blocks 92 and then deployment of the door seal(s) 122. It isfurther noted that the sequence of retraction of the plurality of blocks92 and retraction of the door seal(s) 122 may be retraction of the doorseal(s) and then retraction of the blocks 92, or may be retraction ofthe blocks 92 and then retraction of the door seal(s) 122.

Now referring to FIGS. 16A-16B, FIG. 16A is an illustration of across-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reductionassembly 90 in the form of the plurality of blocks 92 and shows thevehicle door 66 and the door seal 122, which at this stage is beingretracted. The vehicle door 66 (see FIG. 16A) is in the closed position66 a (see FIG. 12A). FIG. 16A is shown from the view of viewing thevacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG. 16B) from the door cavity 132(see FIG. 15B) between the vehicle door 66 (see FIG. 16B) and thestation door 68 (see FIG. 16B). FIG. 16A shows the plurality of blocks92 in the station wall 30, and shows the volume 50, such as the tubevolume 50 a. FIG. 16A shows a door seal retracted stage side view 192 a.

FIG. 16B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly 92, such as the plurality of blocks 92, ofFIG. 16A, showing the door seal 122 in a retracted position 122 b backinto the door seal cavity 123. FIG. 16B shows the station wall 30, thestation vacuum tube 33, the cavities 40, the vacuum transport tubevehicle 60, such as the vacuum transport tube train 60 a, and the volume50, such as the tube volume 50 a and the door cavity volume 50 b. FIG.16B further shows the ambient air 52 a in the vacuum tube vehiclestation 12, the station door 68, the air supply assembly 130, thevent-to-vacuum assembly 140, the vehicle door 66, and the cabin 76 awith cabin air 52 c. FIG. 16B shows the inner surface 94 a of each block92 moved away from the vehicle outer surface 80 (see FIG. 15B) of thevacuum transport tube vehicle 60, and shows the gap 100 with the gapvolume 100 a. FIG. 16B further shows the outer surface 94 b of the block92 in relation to the interior end 44 a of the cavity 40.

Now referring to FIGS. 17A-17B, FIG. 17A is an illustration of across-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reductionassembly 90, in the form of the plurality of blocks 92, and shows thevehicle door 66 with the seal 122 in a retracted position 122 b. FIG.17A is shown from the view of viewing the vacuum transport tube vehicle60 (see FIG. 17B) from the door cavity 132 (see FIG. 17B) between thevehicle door 66 (see FIG. 17B) and the station door 68 (see FIG. 17B).FIG. 17A shows the plurality of blocks 92 in the station wall 30, andshows the volume 50, such as a tube volume 50 a. FIG. 17A shows a blocksfully retracted stage side view 194 a.

FIG. 17B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly 90, such as the plurality of blocks 92, ofFIG. 17A showing the plurality of blocks 92 in the position 170 of afully retracted position 170 a. The vacuum transport tube vehicle 60(see FIG. 17B), such as the vacuum transport tube train 60 a (see FIG.17B) is preparing to exit or leave the vacuum tube vehicle station 12,and the blocks 92 are fully retracted. FIG. 17B shows a blocks fullyretracted stage front view 194 b. FIG. 17B shows the station wall 30,the station vacuum tube 33, the inner surface 94 a, the outer surface 94b, and the sides 96 of the blocks 92, and shows the volume 50, such asthe tube volume 50 a and the door cavity volume 50 b. FIG. 17B furthershows the ambient air 52 a in the vacuum tube vehicle station 12, thestation door 68, the air supply assembly 130, the vent-to-vacuumassembly 140, the door cavity 132, the vehicle door 66, a passenger 62,and the door seal 122 in the retracted position 122 b. FIG. 17B showsthe inner surface 94 a of each block 92 moved further away from thevehicle outer surface 80 of the outer vehicle wall 78 of the vacuumtransport tube vehicle 60, and shows the gap 100. FIG. 17B further showsthe outer surface 94 b of the block 92 in relation to the interior end44 a of the cavity 40.

Now referring to FIGS. 18A-18B, FIG. 18A is an illustration of across-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reductionassembly 90, in the form of the plurality of blocks 92, as the vacuumtransport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG. 17B) exits the vacuum tube vehiclestation 12 (see FIG. 18B). FIG. 18A is shown from the view of viewingthe volume reduction assembly 90 (see FIG. 18B) from the door cavity 132(see FIG. 18B). FIG. 18A shows the plurality of blocks 92 in the stationwall 30, and shows the volume 50, such as a tube volume 50 a. FIG. 17Afurther shows longitudinal gaps 160 between the columns of blocks 92.FIG. 18A shows a vehicle exit stage side view 196 a.

FIG. 18B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thevolume reduction assembly 90, such as the plurality of blocks 92, ofFIG. 18A showing the plurality of blocks in the block position 170 ofthe fully retracted position 170 a, when the vacuum transport tubevehicle 60 (see FIG. 17B) has exited the vacuum tube vehicle station 12.FIG. 18B shows a vehicle exit stage front view 196 b. FIG. 18B shows thestation wall 30, the station vacuum tube 33, the cavities 40, the innersurface 94 a, the outer surface 94 b, and the sides 96 of the blocks 92,and shows the volume 50, such as the tube volume 50 a and the doorcavity volume 50 b. FIG. 18B further shows the ambient air 52 a in thevacuum tube vehicle station 12, the station door 68, the air supplyassembly 130, the vent-to-vacuum assembly 140, the door cavity 132, andthe door seal 122.

Depending on the location of the vent-to-vacuum assembly 140 (see FIG.18B) vacuum vents, the vacuum vents may be adjusted. If thevent-to-vacuum assembly 140 vacuum vents are the same vents thatevacuated the door cavity 132 (see FIG. 18B), they can remain open whilethe door seal 122 (see FIG. 18B) is retracted, and as the blocks 92 (seeFIG. 18B) are in a partially retracted position 170 d (see FIG. 15B).

Now referring to FIG. 19, FIG. 19 is an illustration of across-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reductionassembly 90, in the form of the plurality of blocks 92 and shows, inanother embodiment, the blocks 92 having a plurality of seams 161between the columns of blocks 92, and having no longitudinal gaps 160,as shown in FIG. 18A, between the columns of blocks 92. FIG. 19 furthershows the blocks 92 coupled to the station wall 30 and the volume 50,such as the tube volume 50 a. Having longitudinal gaps 160 (see FIG.18A) between the blocks 92 may facilitate manufacturing them andinstalling them. Having the plurality of seams 161 may provide improvedefficiency of evacuation of the air from the vacuum tube vehicle station12. For example, if the blocks 92 (see FIG. 5B) are 12.0 inches long,and the longitudinal gaps are 0.1 inches wide, this may allow a vacuumof approximately 10⁻² atmospheres to be present after the blocks 92 (seeFIG. 5B) have been retracted. This is improved over evacuating thatvolume starting at an ambient pressure of 1.0 atmosphere, since it mayreduce the required flow rate from 32,800 ft³/min to about 16,400ft³/min, with a commensurate reduction in pump equipment cost. Whilethis may be improved over evacuating that volume starting at ambientpressure of 1.0 atmosphere, such calculation underscores the importanceof removing as much volume as possible for the vacuum equipment toevacuate. Thus, in one embodiment, the blocks 92 (see FIG. 19) may beconstructed with the plurality of seams 161 (see FIG. 19) and nolongitudinal gaps 160, as shown in FIG. 18A, which may reduce the volume50 (see FIG. 3) between the station wall 30 (see FIG. 19) and the outervehicle wall 78 (see FIG. 7B) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60(see FIG. 7B), so that it may effectively be zero.

Now referring to FIGS. 20A-20E, FIGS. 20A-20E show a door cavity volumereduction surface operation process 200 (see FIG. 2A). It may beadvantageous to take measures to reduce the volume 50 (see FIG. 3), suchas the door cavity volume 50 b (see FIGS. 2A, 3). One way to accomplishthis is to design the station door 68, such as a curved station door 69(see FIG. 20A) having one curved side, to contain an inflatable bladder152 (see FIG. 20) that may occupy the door cavity volume 50 b betweenthe station door 68, such as the curved station door 69 (see FIG. 20A)at the vacuum tube vehicle station 12 (see FIG. 20A), and the vehicledoor 66 (see FIG. 20A). The inflatable bladder 152 (see FIG. 20) may beattached or contained in the station door 68. When the station door ordoors close, for example, similar to elevator doors, the inflatablebladder 152 (see FIG. 20) may be already be in place or position tostart the door cavity volume reduction surface operation process 200.

FIG. 20A is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thedoor cavity volume reduction surface operation process 200 showing anembodiment of a door cavity volume reduction surface 150 coupled to acurved station doors 69 and in an initial fully retracted inflatabledoor bladder position 200 a. As shown in FIG. 20A, the door cavityvolume reduction surface 150 comprises an inflatable door bladder 152,having a bladder inner surface 152 a and a bladder outer surface 152 b.As shown in FIG. 20A, the inflatable door bladder 152 is connected tothe air supply assembly 130, which preferably supplies compressed air 52b (see FIG. 3) to the inflatable door bladder 152. The air supplyassembly 130 inflates the inflatable door bladder 152 to expand towardthe one or more vehicle doors 66. FIG. 20A shows the air supply assembly130 in a closed position 130 b.

As further shown in FIG. 20A, the inflatable door bladder 152 isconnected to the vent-to-vacuum assembly 140 to deflate the inflatabledoor bladder 152 to retract from the one or more vehicle doors 66. Asfurther shown in FIG. 20A, the inflatable door bladder 152 is coupled toone or more of, a plurality of spring elements 154, or a plurality ofelastic elements 156, to provide a force 157 (see FIG. 3) to retract theinflatable door bladder 152. FIG. 20A shows the vent-to-vacuum assembly140 in a closed position 140 b.

FIGS. 20A-20E show the door cavity volume reduction surface 150configured, via the door cavity 132, to contact the vehicle outersurface 80 of the vehicle door 66 of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as the vacuum transport tube train 60 a, stopped in the stationwall 30, and show the door cavity volume reduction surface 150, such asthe inflatable door bladder 152 having the bladder inner surface 152 aand the bladder outer surface 152 b, connected to the air supplyassembly 130, the vent-to-vacuum assembly 140, and the curved stationdoor 69 at the vacuum tube vehicle station 12, and show the stationvacuum tube 33.

FIG. 20A further shows the volume reduction assembly 90, such as in theform of the plurality of blocks 92 in the block position 170 such as thefully deployed position 170 c, the cavities 40, the control system 108,the interior 76, such as the cabin 76 a with a passenger 62, and thevehicle outer surface 80, of the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60, thedoor seal 122 and door seal cavity 123, the volume 50, such as the tubevolume 50 a, and the ambient air 52 a at the vacuum tube vehicle station12.

FIG. 20B is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thedoor cavity volume reduction surface of FIG. 20A in a partially deployedinflatable door bladder position 200 b. As shown in FIG. 20B, the airsupply assembly 130 is in an open position 130 a and the vent-to-vacuumassembly 140 b is in a closed position. The air supply assembly 130 (seeFIG. 20B) supplies air 52 (see FIG. 3), such as compressed air 52 b (seeFIG. 3), to the inflatable door bladder 152, which causes the inflatabledoor bladder 152 to inflate. This inflation causes the bladder innersurface 152 a (see FIG. 20B) to move towards the vehicle door 66 (seeFIG. 20B) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG. 20B). Thepressure of the compressed air is sufficient to overcome the force 157(see FIG. 3) in the spring elements 154 (see FIG. 20B) or the elasticelements 156 (see FIG. 20B) that would tend to pull the bladder outersurface 152 b (see FIG. 20B) in the opposite direction towards thecurved station door 69 (see FIG. 20B). FIG. 20B further shows thecontrol system 108, the volume 50, such as the tube volume 50 a, and theambient air 52 a at the vacuum tube vehicle station 12.

FIG. 20C is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thedoor cavity volume reduction surface 150 of FIG. 20A, such as theinflatable door bladder 152, in a fully deployed inflatable door bladderposition 200 c. FIG. 20C shows the air supply assembly 130 in a closedposition 130 b and shows the vent-to-vacuum assembly 140 in an openposition 140 a.

After the inflatable door bladder 152 has completely inflated, so thatit contacts the vehicle outer surface 80 of the vehicle door 66, the airsupply assembly 130 is closed. At this point, the inflated bladder hasdisplaced the air 52 (see FIG. 3) that was previously in the door cavity132 (see FIG. 20A) between the curved station door 69 (see FIG. 20C) andthe vehicle door 66 (see FIG. 20C). Depending on the design of theinflatable door bladder 152, the percentage of the door cavity volume 50b (see FIG. 3) that has been displaced is approximately 95% (ninety-fivepercent) to 99% (ninety-nine percent) of the door cavity 132 (see FIG.20A), leaving a maximum of 5% (five percent) and a minimum of 1% (onepercent) of the air 52 (see FIG. 3) in the door cavity 132 (see FIG.20A).

FIG. 20D is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thedoor cavity volume reduction surface 150 of FIG. 20A in a partiallyretracted inflatable door bladder position 200 d. FIG. 20D shows the airsupply assembly 130 in a closed position 130 b and shows thevent-to-vacuum assembly 140 in an open position 140 a. In FIG. 20D, theinflatable door bladder 152 is retracting. The vent-to-vacuum assembly140 (see FIG. 20D) is open, which will allow the air to escape from theinflatable door bladder 152. However, since there is no pressure in thedoor cavity 132 (see FIG. 20D) between the inflatable door bladder 152(see FIG. 20D) and the vehicle door 66 (see FIG. 20D), there is no force157 (see FIG. 3) to push the inflatable door bladder 152 (see FIG. 20D)back. For this reason, the spring elements 154 (see FIG. 20D) or theelastic elements 156 (see FIG. 20D) provide a tension force to pull thebladder outer surface 152 b (see FIG. 20D) back to the curved stationdoor 69 (see FIG. 20D). The amount of force needed is likely verymodest. The spring elements 154 (see FIG. 20D) or the elastic elements156 (see FIG. 20D) may be arranged so that they are more or lessdistributed.

FIG. 20E is an illustration of a partial sectional front view of thedoor cavity volume reduction surface 150 of FIG. 20A in a final fullyretracted inflatable door bladder position 200 e. FIG. 20E shows the airsupply assembly 130 in a closed position 130 b and shows thevent-to-vacuum assembly 140 b in a closed position. The inflatable doorbladder 152 (see FIG. 20E) is now in a position to have the cyclerepeated.

If the door cavity volume reduction surface 150, such as in the form ofinflatable door bladder 152, removes 95% (ninety-five percent), apumping rate 158 (see FIG. 3) corresponding to ten (10) passenger exitsis reduced to 39.9 ft³/min, which significantly reduces the cost ofpumping equipment. The following equation shows:

Q=(V/t)(In(P ₀ /P ₁)=((0.05)(86.7)/1)(In(1/0.0001))=39.9 ft³/min

If the bladder removes 99% (ninety-nine percent), the pumping rate 158(see FIG. 3) corresponding to ten (10) passenger exits is reduced to 6.0ft³/min, which reduces the cost of the pumping equipment even further.The following equation shows:

Q=(V/t)(In(P ₀ /P ₁)=((0.01)(86.7)/1)(In(1/0.0001))=6.0 ft³/min

FIGS. 20A-20E show just one door cavity, but it is likely that eachvacuum transport tube vehicle 60 may have more than one entrance/exit.Instead of entering and exiting to just one side, entrances and exitsmay be present on the other side also. To allow for faster boarding anddeboarding times, a vacuum transport tube vehicle may have as many asten (10), or more, exits. The volume associated with each door cavitymay be estimated by the following equation. For a doorway 4.0 ft wide by6.5 feet high, and a 4 inch gap between the station door 68 (see FIG.9B) and the vehicle door 66 (see FIG. 9B), the volume of the door cavityis 8.67 feet.

V _(door)=(w _(door))(h _(door))(d _(door))=(4.0)(6.5)(0.33)=8.67 ft³

Ten (10) entrances/exits would result in a volume per car of 86.7 ft³.The flow rate required per car is then given by the following equation:

Q=(V/t)(In(P ₀ /P ₁))=(86.7/1)(In(1/0.0001))=798.5 ft³/min

Now referring to FIG. 21, FIG. 21 is an illustration of a flow diagramshowing an exemplary embodiment of a method 300 of the disclosure. Inanother embodiment, there is provided the method 300 (see FIG. 21) forreducing a volume 50 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) to be evacuated at a vacuum tubevehicle station 12 (see FIGS. 2A, 3).

As shown in FIG. 21, the method 300 comprises step 302 of installing avacuum volume reduction system 10 (see FIGS. 2A-2C, 3) in the vacuumtube vehicle station 12. As discussed in detail above, the vacuum volumereduction system 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) comprises a station vacuum tube 33(see FIGS. 2A-2C, 3, 4B) disposed in an interior 31 a (see FIG. 2A) of astation wall 30 (see FIG. 2A) of the vacuum tube vehicle station 12 (seeFIG. 2A). The station vacuum tube 33 (see FIGS. 2A-2C, 3, 4B) has a tubevolume 50 a (see FIGS. 2A, 3, 4B).

The step 302 (see FIG. 21) of installing the vacuum volume reductionsystem 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) in the vacuum tube vehicle station 12 (seeFIGS. 2A, 3) comprises in one embodiment integrating the volumereduction assembly 90 (see FIGS. 2B-2C) and the station vacuum tube 33(see FIGS. 2B-2C) comprising a modular station vacuum tube 33 a (seeFIGS. 2B-2C) to form a modular tube volume reduction assembly 90 a (seeFIGS. 2B-2C) configured for installation in the station wall 30 (seeFIGS. 2A, 4C).

The step 302 (see FIG. 21) of installing the vacuum volume reductionsystem 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) in the vacuum tube vehicle station 12 (seeFIGS. 2A, 3) comprises in another embodiment coupling the volumereduction assembly 90 (see FIG. 5B) to the station vacuum tube 33 (seeFIGS. 4B, 5B) comprising a built-in station vacuum tube 33 b (see FIG.4B) formed in the station wall 30 (see FIG. 4B).

As discussed in detail above, the vacuum volume reduction system 10 (seeFIGS. 2A, 3) further comprises a volume reduction assembly 90 (see FIGS.2A-2C, 3, 5B) coupled to the station vacuum tube 33 (see FIGS. 2A-2C, 3,4B). The step 302 (see FIG. 21) of installing the vacuum volumereduction system 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) in the vacuum tube vehicle station(12) comprises in one embodiment installing the vacuum volume reductionsystem 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) comprising the volume reduction assembly 90(see FIGS. 2B-2C, 3, 5B) comprising a plurality of blocks 92 (see FIGS.2B-2C, 3, 5B) installed in a plurality of cavities 40 (see FIGS. 2B-2C,3, 5B) that are longitudinally formed around a circumference 42 (seeFIGS. 2B, 4B) of the station vacuum tube 33 (see FIGS. 2B, 4B).

The plurality of blocks 92 (see FIGS. 2B-2C, 3, 5B) are preferablycomprised of a compliant material 102 (see FIG. 3) that allows theplurality of blocks 92 to deform to match a shape 104 (see FIGS. 3, 5B)of the plurality of cavities 40 (see FIGS. 3, 5B). In one embodiment,each of the plurality of blocks 92 (see FIG. 2C) may comprise alongitudinal one-piece monolithic structure 106 (see FIG. 2C). Inanother embodiment, each of the plurality of blocks 92 may comprise anextendable portion 99 (see FIG. 2E) that extends to engage around thevehicle outer surface 80 (see FIG. 2E) of the vacuum transport tubevehicle 60 (see FIG. 2E), such as the vacuum transport tube train 60 a(see FIG. 2E).

The step 302 (see FIG. 21) of installing the vacuum volume reductionsystem 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) in the vacuum tube vehicle station (12)comprises in another embodiment installing the vacuum volume reductionsystem 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) comprising the volume reduction assembly 90(see FIG. 2D) comprising one or more inflatable bladders 114 (see FIG.2D) coupled to the station vacuum tube 33 (see FIG. 2D). As shown inFIG. 2D, the inflatable bladder 114 is used instead of the plurality ofblocks 92 (see FIG. 2C) and the inflatable bladder 114 is shown from adeflated position 115 a to an inflated position 115 b, and is inflatedwith air 52 from the air supply assembly 130 coupled to the station wall30 and is deflated with the vent-to-vacuum assembly 140 coupled to thestation wall 30.

As discussed in detail above, the vacuum volume reduction system 10 (seeFIGS. 2A, 3) further comprises one or more door seals 122 (see FIGS. 3,9B) coupled to the station wall 30 (see FIG. 9B). As discussed in detailabove, the vacuum volume reduction system 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) furthercomprises an air supply assembly 130 (see FIGS. 3, 9B) coupled to thestation wall 30 (see FIG. 9B). As discussed in detail above, the vacuumvolume reduction system 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) further comprises avent-to-vacuum assembly 140 (see FIGS. 3, 9B) coupled to the stationwall 30 (see FIG. 9B).

As shown in FIG. 21, the method 300 further comprises step 304 ofdeploying the volume reduction assembly 90 (see FIGS. 7B, 8B), via acontrol system 108 (see FIGS. 7B, 8B), engage around the vehicle outersurface 80 (see FIG. 8B) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (seeFIG. 8B), and to displace a gap volume 100 a (see FIG. 7B) between thevolume reduction assembly 90 (see FIG. 7B) and the vehicle outer surface80 (see FIG. 7B), when the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIGS.6B, 7B, 8B) arrives and is stopped at the vacuum tube vehicle station 12(see FIG. 2A). The volume reduction assembly 90 may form a seal 91 (seeFIG. 3) in a sealed engagement 91 a (see FIG. 3) around the vehicleouter surface 80 (see FIG. 3), or may engage in close or near proximity,such as ⅛ inch to ¼ inch distance, to the vehicle outer surface 80 (seeFIGS. 2A, 3) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60.

As shown in FIG. 21, the method 300 further comprises step 306 ofdeploying the one or more door seals 122, via a door seal control system124 (see FIG. 3), to seal around a perimeter 125 of each of one or morevehicle doors 66, and to seal off a door cavity 132 positioned betweeneach of the one or more vehicle door 66 and each of one or more stationdoors 68. As shown in FIG. 21, the method 300 further comprises step 308of supplying air 52 from the air supply assembly 130 to the door cavity132. The step 308 (see FIG. 21) of supplying the air 52 from the airsupply assembly 130 to the door cavity 132 comprises supplying one of,ambient air 52 a, or compressed air 52 b, to the door cavity 132.

As shown in FIG. 21, the method 300 further comprises step 310 ofopening the one or more vehicle doors 66 and the one or more stationdoors 68, to load and unload one or more of, passengers 62 and cargo 64,through the one or more vehicle doors 66 and through the one or morestation doors 68. As shown in FIG. 21, the method 300 further comprisesstep 312 of closing the one or more vehicle doors 66, and closing theone or more station doors 68.

As shown in FIG. 21, the method 300 further comprises step 314 ofevacuating the air 52, such as the ambient air 52 a or compressed air 52b, from the door cavity 132 with the vent-to-vacuum assembly 140, toobtain a desired vacuum quality 51 a (see FIG. 3), and closing thevent-to-vacuum assembly 140. The vent-to-vacuum assembly 140 isconfigured to evacuate the air 52 comprising one of, the ambient air 52a or the compressed air 52 b, from the door cavity 132, after theloading and the unloading of one or more of, the passengers 62 and thecargo 64.

As shown in FIG. 21, the method 300 further comprises step 316 ofretracting the volume reduction assembly 90, via the control system 108,from around the vehicle outer surface 80 of the vacuum transport tubevehicle 60, back to station vacuum tube 33, such as back to theplurality of cavities 40 of the station vacuum tube 33.

As shown in FIG. 21, the method 300 further comprises step 318 ofretracting the one or more door seals 122, via the door seal controlsystem 124 (see FIG. 3), from around each of the one or more vehicledoors 66, back to the station wall 30. As shown in FIG. 21, the method300 further comprises step 320 of reducing the volume 50 to be evacuatedat the vacuum tube vehicle station.

As shown in FIG. 21, the method 300 may further comprise optional step322 of using a door cavity volume reduction surface 150 (see FIGS.20A-20E) comprising an inflatable door bladder 152 (see FIGS. 20A-20E)coupled to each of the one or more curved station doors 69 (see FIGS.20A-20E), to displace a door cavity volume 50 b (see FIG. 20A) of thedoor cavity 132 (see FIG. 20A), to further reduce the volume 50 (seeFIG. 20A) to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station 12 (seeFIG. 2A). As shown in FIGS. 20A-20E, the door cavity volume reductionsurface 150 comprises an inflatable door bladder 152 coupled to the airsupply assembly 130, to inflate the inflatable door bladder 152 toexpand toward the one or more curved vehicle doors 69. As further shownin FIGS. 20A-20E, the inflatable door bladder 152 is coupled to thevent-to-vacuum assembly 140, to deflate the inflatable door bladder 152,to retract from the one or more curved vehicle doors 69. As shown inFIGS. 20A-20E, the inflatable door bladder 152 is coupled to one or moreof, a plurality of spring elements 154, or a plurality of elasticelements 156, to provide a force 157 (see FIG. 3) to retract theinflatable door bladder 152.

Disclosed embodiments of the vacuum volume reduction system 10 (seeFIGS. 2A, 3) and method 300 (see FIG. 21) for reducing a volume 50 (seeFIGS. 2A, 3) to be evacuated at a vacuum tube vehicle station 12 (seeFIGS. 2A, 3), provide a vacuum volume reduction system 10 within astation vacuum tube 33 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) where the vacuum volumereduction system 10 engages a vacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (seeFIGS. 2A, 3) in order to allow for the loading and unloading ofpassengers 62 (see FIG. 3) and/or cargo 64 (see FIG. 3) into the vacuumtransport tube vehicle 60, where the vacuum volume reduction system 10comprises a volume reduction assembly 90 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) comprising inone embodiment, a plurality of blocks 92 coupled to the station vacuumtube 33 and extending longitudinally along the length of vacuumtransport tube vehicle 60, and comprising in another embodiment aninflatable bladder 114 coupled to the station vacuum tube 33. The vacuumvolume reduction system 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) and method 300 (see FIG.21) provide a relatively simple method for entering and exiting thevacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIGS. 2A, 3). The vacuum volumereduction system 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) and method 300 (see FIG. 21)essentially reduces the volume 50 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) before the vehicledoors 66 (see FIGS. 3, 7B) are opened, thus reducing the volume or spaceneeded to be pressurized or in vacuum, which may make the vacuum volumereduction system 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) and method 300 (see FIG. 21)significantly less expensive to operate than known systems and methodsusing expensive pumping equipment, pressure seals, and airlockarrangements. In addition, if a few of the plurality of blocks 92, suchas one or two or three blocks, do not deploy for some reason, and theother blocks 92 still deploy, it may not be detrimental to the operationof the vacuum volume reduction system 10 (see FIGS. 2A, 3), as pumpingequipment, such as the size of the plenums of the air supply assembly130 and/or vent-to-vacuum assembly 140, may be sized accordingly to takeinto account any possible issues or leaks. The plurality of blocks 92(see FIG. 5B) that move radially inward from the station vacuum tube 33to the vacuum transport tube vehicle 60, and back again, maysignificantly reduce the volume of the station enclosure, thus reducingor eliminating the pumping requirements. Reduction in volume maypreferably result in reduced pumping requirements. Such plurality ofblocks 92 (see FIG. 5B), or inflatable bladders 114 (see FIG. 2D), areshaped to conform to the vehicle outer surface 80 (see FIG. 2A) of thevacuum transport tube vehicle 60 (see FIG. 2A) to displace the volume 50(see FIGS. 2A, 3), such as the gap volume 100 a (see FIGS. 6B, 7B),between the station wall 30 (see FIGS. 6B, 7B) and the vehicle outerwall 80 (see FIGS. 6B, 7B), thus greatly reducing or substantiallyeliminating the volume 50 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) to be evacuated at thevacuum tube vehicle station (see FIG. 2A).

Moreover, disclosed embodiments of the vacuum volume reduction system 10(see FIGS. 2A, 3) and method 300 (see FIG. 21) may minimize leakage 164(see FIG. 3) of air from the surrounding ambient atmosphere into thestation vacuum tube 33 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) and the vacuum tube 16 (seeFIG. 2A), which, in turn, may result in less pumping capacity requiredto maintain a desired vacuum quality 51 a (see FIG. 3) in the stationvacuum tube 33 (see FIGS. 2A, 3) and/or the vacuum tube 16 (see FIG.2A). In addition, the vacuum volume reduction system 10 (see FIGS. 2A,3) and method 300 (see FIG. 21) may reduce the cost to maintain thevacuum inside the tube or tubes at the vacuum tube vehicle station 12(see FIG. 2A). Further, the vacuum volume reduction system 10 (see FIGS.2A, 3) and method 300 (see FIG. 21) may provide for improved safetybecause there is no large chamber with zero pressure for air to be drawninto if there is a leak or another issue with a seal. For example, theinclusion and use of the volume reduction assembly 90, such as theplurality of blocks 92, may eliminate any possible large vacuum to whichthe air may flow into, and may avoid or greatly minimize a large flow ofair if a leak occurs.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come tomind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains havingthe benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions andthe associated drawings. The embodiments described herein are meant tobe illustrative and are not intended to be limiting or exhaustive.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Anyclaimed embodiment of the disclosure does not necessarily include all ofthe embodiments of the disclosure.

1. A vacuum volume reduction system for reducing a volume to be evacuated at a vacuum tube vehicle station, the vacuum volume reduction system comprising: a station vacuum tube disposed in an interior of a station wall of the vacuum tube vehicle station, the station vacuum tube having a tube volume; a volume reduction assembly coupled to the station vacuum tube, the volume reduction assembly having a control system for radially moving the volume reduction assembly to and from a vehicle outer surface of a vacuum transport tube vehicle at the vacuum tube vehicle station, to engage around the vehicle outer surface, for loading and unloading of one or more of, passengers and cargo, through one or more vehicle doors of the vacuum transport tube vehicle and through one or more station doors of the vacuum tube vehicle station; one or more door seals coupled to the station wall, and configured to surround a perimeter of, and to seal, each of the one or more vehicle doors, and to seal off a door cavity having a door cavity volume; an air supply assembly coupled to the station wall, and configured to supply air to the door cavity; and a vent-to-vacuum assembly coupled to the station wall, and configured to evacuate the air from the door cavity, wherein the vacuum volume reduction system displaces the tube volume between the station wall and the vehicle outer surface, and in turn, reduces the volume to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station.
 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a door seal control system coupled to the one or more door seals, the door seal control system configured to move the one or more door seals between the station wall and the vehicle outer surface of the vacuum transport tube vehicle.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or more door seals are deployed from and retracted into a door seal cavity formed in the station wall.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the station vacuum tube is a modular station vacuum tube that is integrated with the volume reduction assembly, to form a modular tube volume reduction assembly configured for installation in the station wall.
 5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a liner element coupled to the interior of the station wall, the liner element disposed between the interior of the station wall and an outer surface of the station vacuum tube.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the volume reduction assembly comprises a plurality of blocks installed in a plurality of cavities longitudinally formed around a circumference of the station vacuum tube, the plurality of blocks configured to move to reduce a gap volume formed between the plurality of blocks and the vehicle outer surface, for the loading and the unloading of one or more of, the passengers and the cargo, through the one or more vehicle doors and through the one or more station doors.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein the plurality of blocks are comprised of a compliant material that allows the plurality of blocks to deform to match a shape of the plurality of cavities.
 8. The system of claim 6 wherein each of the plurality of blocks is a longitudinal one-piece monolithic structure.
 9. The system of claim 6 wherein each of the plurality of blocks comprises an extendable portion that extends to the vehicle outer surface to engage around the vehicle outer surface.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the control system comprises one of, a mechanical actuator control system, a pneumatic actuator control system, a hydraulic actuator control system, or an electrical actuator control system, for controlling movement of the volume reduction assembly.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein the control system comprises the mechanical actuator control system comprising one or more worm gears coupled to one or more scissor jacks.
 12. The system of claim 6 wherein the plurality of blocks comprise a plurality of extendable blocks.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein the air supply assembly is configured to supply air comprising one of, ambient air or compressed air, to the door cavity, before the loading and the unloading of one or more of, the passengers and the cargo, the door cavity positioned between each of the one or more vehicle doors and each of the one or more station doors.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the vent-to-vacuum assembly is configured to evacuate the air comprising one of, the ambient air or the compressed air, from the door cavity, after the loading and the unloading of one or more of, the passengers and the cargo.
 15. The system of claim 1 further comprising one or more of, one or more pressure seals coupled to the vacuum transport tube vehicle, a first pressure barrier seal coupled to the station wall and configured to deploy in front of the vacuum transport tube vehicle, and a second pressure barrier seal coupled to the station wall and configured to deploy behind the vacuum transport tube vehicle.
 16. A modular tube volume reduction assembly for use at a vacuum tube vehicle station, the modular tube volume reduction assembly comprising: a modular station vacuum tube having a tube volume and a plurality of cavities longitudinally formed around a circumference of the modular station vacuum tube; and a volume reduction assembly coupled to the modular station vacuum tube, the volume reduction assembly: having a control system for radially moving the volume reduction assembly to and from a vehicle outer surface of a vacuum transport tube vehicle at the vacuum tube vehicle station, to engage around the vehicle outer surface, for loading and unloading of one or more of, passengers and cargo, through one or more vehicle doors of the vacuum transport tube vehicle and through one or more station doors of the vacuum tube vehicle station, wherein the modular tube volume reduction assembly displaces the tube volume between the station wall and the vehicle outer surface, and in turn, reduces the volume to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station.
 17. The modular tube volume reduction assembly of claim 16 further comprising a liner element disposed between an outer surface of the modular station vacuum tube and an interior of the station wall, when the modular tube volume reduction assembly is installed in the station wall. a plurality of blocks longitudinally coupled to a cavity interior of each of the plurality of cavities
 18. The modular tube volume reduction assembly of claim 16 wherein the volume reduction assembly comprises a plurality of blocks installed in and longitudinally coupled to a cavity interior of each of the plurality of cavities, the plurality of blocks configured to move to reduce a gap volume formed between the plurality of blocks and the vehicle outer surface, for the loading and the unloading of one or more of, the passengers and the cargo, through the one or more vehicle doors and through the one or more station doors, and the plurality of blocks comprised of a compliant material that allows the plurality of blocks to deform to match a shape of the plurality of cavities.
 19. The modular tube volume reduction assembly of claim 16 wherein the control system comprises a mechanical actuator control system comprising one or more worm gears coupled to one or more scissor jacks.
 20. A method for reducing a volume to be evacuated at a vacuum tube vehicle station, the method comprising the steps of: installing a vacuum volume reduction system in the vacuum tube vehicle station, the vacuum volume reduction system comprising: a station vacuum tube disposed in an interior of a station wall of the vacuum tube vehicle station, the station vacuum tube having a tube volume; a volume reduction assembly coupled to the station vacuum tube, the volume reduction assembly having a control system for radially moving the volume reduction assembly to and from a vehicle outer surface of a vacuum transport tube vehicle at the vacuum tube vehicle station, to engage around the vehicle outer surface, for loading and unloading of one or more of, passengers and cargo, through one or more vehicle doors of the vacuum transport tube vehicle and through one or more station doors of the vacuum tube vehicle station; one or more door seals coupled to the station wall, and configured to surround a perimeter of, and to seal, each of the one or more vehicle doors, and to seal off a door cavity having a door cavity volume; an air supply assembly coupled to the station wall, and configured to supply air to the door cavity; and a vent-to-vacuum assembly coupled to the station wall, and configured to evacuate the air from the door cavity; deploying the volume reduction assembly, via the control system, to engage around the vehicle outer surface of the vacuum transport tube vehicle, and to displace a gap volume between the volume reduction assembly and the vehicle outer surface, when the vacuum transport tube vehicle arrives and is stopped at the vacuum tube vehicle station; deploying the one or more door seals, via a door seal control system, to seal around the perimeter of each of one or more vehicle doors, and to seal off the door cavity positioned between each of the one or more vehicle door and each of one or more station doors; supplying air from the air supply assembly to the door cavity; opening the one or more vehicle doors and the one or more station doors, to load and unload one or more of, passengers and cargo, through the one or more vehicle doors and through the one or more station doors; closing the one or more vehicle doors, and closing the one or more station doors; evacuating the air from the door cavity with the vent-to-vacuum assembly, to obtain a desired vacuum quality, and closing the vent-to-vacuum assembly; retracting the volume reduction assembly, via the control system, from around the vehicle outer surface of the vacuum transport tube vehicle, back to the station vacuum tube; retracting the one or more door seals, via the door seal control system, from around each of the one or more vehicle doors, back to the station wall; and reducing the volume to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station.
 21. The method of claim 20 further comprising using a door cavity volume reduction surface comprising an inflatable door bladder coupled to each of one or more curved station doors to displace a door cavity volume of the door cavity, to further reduce the volume to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station.
 22. The method of claim 20 wherein installing the vacuum volume reduction system in the vacuum tube vehicle station comprises integrating the volume reduction assembly and the station vacuum tube comprising a modular station vacuum tube to form a modular tube volume reduction assembly configured for installation in the station wall.
 23. The method of claim 20 wherein installing the vacuum volume reduction system in the vacuum tube vehicle station comprises coupling the volume reduction assembly to the station vacuum tube comprising a built-in station vacuum tube formed in the station wall.
 24. The method of claim 20 wherein installing the vacuum volume reduction system in the vacuum tube vehicle station comprises installing the vacuum volume reduction system comprising the volume reduction assembly comprising one of, a plurality of blocks installed in a plurality of cavities longitudinally formed around a circumference of the station vacuum tube, or one or more inflatable bladders coupled to the station vacuum tube.
 25. The method of claim 20 wherein supplying air from the air supply assembly to the door cavity comprises supplying one of, ambient air or compressed air, to the door cavity. 